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Client and Partner Testimonials
"Integrity, honesty and confidentiality are
the main cornerstones of LAUNCH Funding Network." LAUNCHfn's
trusted and proven Access to Capital System™ connects entrepreneurs directly with early stage venture capital, lenders,
institutional investors, capital investors, early stage capital, small business investors, angel investor networks, angel
groups, small business investors, and angel investor networks through our extensive suite of venture capital consulting services,
business plan review strategies, find angel investor services, and capital advisors.
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Tony Evangelista, President of Liberty Bridge/Verihelion, recommends the
LAUNCHfn's Access to Capital
System TM Phone Strategy Session.
Listen Now!
Listen to what Clients are saying about LAUNCHfn on SPEC Talk Radio. The first half hour will show case Michael Valverde of Chain Reaction eCommerce (www.creloaded.com) an open source development platform for ecommerce. The second half hour will show case Bill Doyle of Vystar (www.vytex.com) who has successfully developed a new latex process. Gary
Austin
entrepreneur, inventor
"I have enjoyed a working relationship with
Karen for many years and find Karen and her company LaunchFN to be one of the primary drivers in the early stage funding community
in Atlanta. Karen's team is knowledgeable, capable and resourceful. They makes good things happen for up and coming entrepreneurs."
April 2009
Jim Bock
Director
of Human Resources, PowerTech America
"Karen is a great person to bounce ideas off, for her
knowledgeable and practical advice. She brings ten years of hands-on deal flow experience and another ten years of IBM training
and marketing background to bear on an issue. I have seen first hand how valuable this can be to an entrepreneur or early
stage business owner looking for assistance. I highly recommend Karen in all areas relating to business consulting and funding."
April 2009
Marci Troutman
Owner, Shudan Design
Group (colleague)
“Karen does a phenominal job of pulling investors together in a group networking setting. The
event I attended ran smoothly through five companies presenting their cutting edge technology in search of angel funding.
The investors and companies searching for investment were able to mingle and meet prior to the meeting and over an hour after
the meeting with fabulous refreshments. I would recommend LaunchFN for any investor and/or company in search of funding.”
November 15, 2006
George Ishee
Owner, PlumTree Marketing
“Karen is an excellent
business advisor, capital expert and one of the highest quality professionals you will ever deal with. She takes the time
to listen to your needs and seems to know the right solutions to take your business to the next level. Take a moment and speak
with her and you will know what I am saying. I am proud to recommend her and her team to anyone.”
February 15, 2008
Hugi Hernandez
CEO, el Club de comerciantes
“I had the opportunity
to meet with the LAUNCHfn team and they have great integrity and a clear vision about how to bring a business to the next
level” March 9, 2008
Giulio Helmsdorff
President, Web Data
Corp.
“If you an entrepreneur and need early stage funding you need to talk to Karen. If you are and investor looking
for a ground-breaking opportunity, you also need to talk to Karen. Is that simple.” March 12,
2008
Tiffany Wright
Business Advisor, Georgia Tech - EDI
“Karen and I worked
together on investor presentations jointly hosted by our organizations (Launchfn and Georgia Tech). She and her team were
highly responsive and well-prepared. She provided one-page summary templates our clients found very useful + specific and
general presentation advice that strongly impacted our clients' perceptions by the investment community. In my experience,
Launchfn is adept at accessing angel investors. I've personally spoken with 2 separate business owners who procured money
through their efforts. Karen is passionate about what she does and has high visibility amongst the Atlanta metro angel investment
community. If you are seeking funding of $100,000 or less, I highly recommend a consultation with Karen and Launchfn.”
July 16, 2008
Brian Miller
President / CEO, Hope Funding, LLC
“I know Karen
from networking and have attended two of her introductory seminars. In fact, I still have the notes from one and refer back
to it periodically as a primer to sending her a referral. This is testimony to the knowledge she possesses. She has always
been open to discussing venture and start up ideas with the entrepreneurs and business professionals I have referred her way
- regardless of the infancy of these ventures. They have all thanked me for putting them in touch with her. Karen understands
referral relationships - she is another person who "gets it."” March 25, 2008
Ron
Reardon
Owner, Patents & More, Inc.
“I have known Karen for several years through several organizations
to which we both belong, and have attended her events where entrepreneurs present to investors and other interested parties.
These events were held in a classy venue with qualified investors, and the entrepreneur presentations were very professionally
done. I consider Karen to be a person of the highest integrity. She is very knowledgeable and experience concerning the funding
process for start-up ventures and companies needed expansion capital.” February 19, 2008
Charlie Paparelli
Charlie hired Karen as a Source of private equity deals in 2006
Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, High Integrity
“Karen has a real heart for matching entrepreneurs and angel
investors. She has made a significant impact in our Atlanta entrepreneurial community. She has been in this business for a
long enough time to build a significant network and a great base of investors. She is tireless in her pursuit of success for
the entrepreneur and the investor. I recommend her conferences for anyone interested in raising money or looking for good
quality private equity investments.” February 18, 2008
Ben Dyer
Owner, Innovations Publishing. Former Partner at Cordova Ventures
“Karen is an effective leader in matching
companies with investment capital in the Atlanta area. She has created a strong network and built a successful business model
around her mission.” February 18, 2008
Connie Liesman
CPT Med,
Entrepreneur, Client
"I started working with LAUNCHfn in 2008. We came very close to receiving funding
through their group of investors after having presented at the NBAI Member meeting and attending follow up meetings to give
the investors update of our progress. When we got into a tough situation at the end of the year, it was only through
Karen's advice and counsel and her wealth of experience that we were able to navigate that period of time. She
encouraged us and led us in ways we can't hardly describe. We have since raised significant capital from another
source, but I credit the strategic venture capital consulting services they provided to us with enabling us to attract that
capital. Launchfn continues to work with us, to get business capital through alternative lenders that will
help our company continue to grow at a rapid scale." May 2009
Cameron Cress
PlayGolfPlanet.com Entrpreneur, Client
"Like most start up companies, we really struggled with making the investment
in hiring a team like LAUNCHfn. Best thing we have done. Although we are still working to get capital
directly from their network, they have provided us with multiple opportunities to present to and meet directly with angel
investors. They provide advice and counsel that is light years ahead of every other advisor because they are at
the heartbeat of the early stage capital market. They know what investors are looking for...by region and by time
of year. As a result we have been able to do things to attract capital and get us unstuck....enabling to move our business
forward and be much more attractive to the business angels that LAUNCHfn has been so good at introducing us to."
April 2009
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"The business plan review was an extremely thorough examination of our business and
its business plan. Through the assessment process and venture capital consulting offered by LAUNCHfn, we were
able to identify some issues within not only our plan, but our business model. With the recommended changes, we
were able to more thoroughly explain and expand upon key components of our company investors would be most interested in reading.
As a 10-year seasoned entrepreneur, I was amazed at the examination, vision and assessment of the plan and received excellent
advice I had never considered. For the entrepreneur who “knows everything about your business (like me)”,
then you owe it to yourself and your company to conduct and implement a full business assessment from a smart objective team
like LAUNCHfn. Outstanding work. With the changes made to our plan from the business plan review we were
able to successfully secure our private equity investment goal through introductions with various capital investors and angel
groups. THANKS!" Joel Thompson, President, Sports Fan Products.
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Michael Horten
Horten CC
Advisor, Attorney, & Investor |
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Troy Young
Financial Planning Advisory Service
Investor Representative |
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Jonathan Bragdon
Tricycle
President |
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Vince Coyner
Video Almanac
Founder & President |
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"I’m very impressed with the work you’re doing at Launchfn and NBAI.
I enjoyed the event; both the educational aspect and the investor briefings. I’d like an opportunity to meet with you
to learn more and discuss ways to work together. Please indicate your availability during the month of April." Lucy Holifield,
Director of Economic Empowerment Center.
“Thank you very much for working with
me on our business arrangement and for arranging for me to meet with such wonderful potential investors.” Erik Walker,
Founder Nu-Energy August 12, 2005.
“LAUNCHFn is one of the hardest working companies
I have had the pleasure of working with.” July 12, 2006 Kenneth W. Burnt, Owner, accountabilities,llc, Consultant to
Network of Business Angels and Investors.
“I know Karen for last two to three years.
She helps early stage companies get funding. I have some of my clients got their funding through her company and I recommend
her company to early stage or, high growth companies who would need funding.” July 5, 2006, Sanjib Mohapatro, Owner,
EMTechPro, Inc., Consultant to Network of Business Angels and Investors.
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“What a progression! I went to NBAI five years ago and they have really taken
it to the next level. I don’t know how they do it, but they really do a fantastic job. In Atlanta, there
really is a need for capital. Everyone will testify to it. And there are young start up companies who need this capital.
In the past they had to go outside the south-east to get that capital. NBAI provides a very useful service. And
I highly recommend this event to investors and companies.” Michael Horten, Horten CC, Advisor, Attorney, & Investor.
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“Karen is very well versed in start-up financing issues and very well connected
in the Southeast. Would recommend her highly to those seeking early round financing.” January 28, 2005, Tom Meredith,
President P2P Cash.
"LAUNCHfn has performed a near miracle at resurrecting
NBAI! I would encourage any entrepreneur or capital investor to connect with their organization", Tom Meredith February
27, 2006, President of P2P Cash, Client of Launch Funding Network.
“Launch Funding Network has worked tirelessly on our behalf. They have brought many people to our
projects and continues to be a great source of positive energy,” June 28, 2006, Michael Valverde, Owner, Green Valley
Entertainment, and Client.
“Karen has my full confidence. She is competent, trustworthy and I think the world
of her.” June 28, 2006, Jordan Cowman, Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Consultant to Network of Business
Angels and Investors.
LAUNCHFN (SIC) “has my full confidence. Karen as the visionary is competent, trustworthy
and I think the world of her.”
LAUNCHfn’s team is a “Fantastic business mentor and Karen is
a networking diva!” June 28, 2006, John Catadl, CEO, DateApp, Inc., Company working with Network of Business Angels
and Investors.
“Without any reservation I recommend Karen (and her team at LAUNCHfn) to work with any
entrepreneur looking to raise funding and/or need assistance with business planning, networking, etc. I have found her ethics
and professionalism to be outstanding.” June 26, 2006, Tom Eaves, President & CEO, Star Software Systems Corporaton,
Client of Launch Funding Network.
“I have worked with Karen for seventeen years and have known her to be
a true professional in all she does. She goes the extra mile for her clients and provides outstanding value with her services.
Karen's knowledge of sales, marketing and business practices is outstanding and her enthusiasm and energy enable her to
accomplish the difficult tasks that few others could manage.” June 20, 2006, Jim Bock, HR Director, Answerthink Consulting,
Company working with Network of Business Angels and Investors.
“Karen has performed a near miracle at resurrecting
NBAI! I would encourage any entrepreneur or investor to connect with her and her organization Tom Meredith” February
27, 2006, Tom Meredith
Company working with Network of Business Angels and Investors.
“Karen, you are
a fantastic presenter and venture capital catalyst! Your commitment to assist and support small business start-ups is inspiring!
Your E3C webinar on venture capital was our most successful session! Your venture capital experience, business insight and
connections are quite impressive. I look forward to a great partnership with Kugarandholdings and Launch Funding Network.”
, August 14, 2006, Kenneth Brown, CEO, E3C, Company working with Launch Funding Network.
“I have known Karen
for the past two years. Karen is dedicated and a very hard worker. She is a person you have to know because she can help finding
the right people to assist with your financial issues. I recommend Karen is as a wonderful person who is willing to go the
extra mile for you. Gilbert C Nieuwenhuis Certified Business Coach, Mentor and Trainer” December 12, 2005, Gilbert Nieuwenhuis
Consultant working with Launch Funding Network.
“LAUNCHfn has proven their dedication and determination
for helping entrepreneurs reach a level of confidence which makes presentations for investors more efficient.” April
13, 2005, Willie Arline, Company working with Launch Funding Network.
“Karen is a rare find -- someone who
exercises the gifts and talents she has to the genuine betterment of her clients. She has a valuable work ethic, offers direct
advice and has remarkable insights into the industry.” August 1, 2006, Gwen Burch, Owner, Human Architecture, Inc.,
Consultant working with Kugarand Holdings, LLC (Holding company for Launch Funding Network).
“Karen is highly
motivated and knows the business of putting together people and companies to foster a deal or relationships. She is a student
of different businesses in order to understand every aspect which provides her the knowledge to be of benefit.” June
30, 2006, Steve Rothschild, Owner, Preferred Real Estate Funds, Company working with Kugarand Holdings, LLC (Holding company
for Launch Funding Network).
“Karen and I worked together on a board of advisors to an incubator for start-up
technology companies. Karen was more than dependable, she is someone you can always trust will do what she says she will do.”
June 28, 2006, Daniel Graff-Radford, Vice President, Lanta Technology Group, Company working with Kugarand Holdings, LLC (Holding
company for Launch Funding Network).
“Karen is an energetic, enthusiatic "go-getter." She's
tremendously persistence and visionary. It takes a great deal of magic to put deals together. Through her efforts coordinating
her deep stable of contacts, putting people with money in the room with those looking for it, she's making it happen!!!”
April 30, 2005, Mike Skrynecki Company working with Kugarand Holdings, LLC (Holding company for Launch Funding Network).
“I have known Karen for some time now and have a high regard for her expertise in helping businesses position
themselves and find the funding needed to start or grow their enterprises. Karen has many year of experience and demonstrates
a commitment to the success of her clients.” February 8, 2005, Joy Johnson, Company working with Kugarand Holdings,
LLC (Holding company for Launch Funding Network).
“LAUNCHfn's expertise in the networking and connections
arena has proven to be very helpful to me in my business. I highly recommend them because they truly for people, they have
the right connections and genuinely cares about people in general.” January 31, 2005, Tina Gray, Owner, Grayt Expectations
Business Services. Company working with Kugarand Holdings, LLC (Holding company for Launch Funding Network).
“I have known Karen Rands for quite a while and consider her an exceptional link in my network. Her expertise
in the funding arena has helped me re-evaluate my company as it pertained to looking for outside funds. Karen and her company,
Launch Funding Network is a necessary vehicle for companies searching for funds to grow, operate, expand, etc...” January
30, 2005, James Gore, VP, CD Intelligence Company working with Kugarand Holdings, LLC (Holding company for Launch Funding
Network).
“Kugarand Holdings is an ideal company for those looking to get funds for their business. Not only
do they help you with your business plan but they educate you on all the many different sources of funding available for your
specific business. I have known Karen for about 2 years. Her knowledge and professionalism stand out most when you need someone
to help your business raise capital.” January 30, 2005, Jeffrey Alexander Brathwaite, Company working with Kugarand
Holdings, LLC (Holding company for Launch Funding Network).
“I fully endorse LAUNCHfn for their excellent
consultation skills and incredible knowledge in the financial world. I have seen them find funds for companies that
thought they had no options. I think LAUNCHfn is fantastic and if you use their services, you will prosper” January
28, 2005, Eddie Hines, Consultant working with Kugarand Holdings, LLC (Holding company for Launch Funding Network).
"Launch Funding Network --- Just for the record ... it was the best event I have seen put on. " April 18, 2007,
Michael B. Orr, Investment Advisor Representative.
"FreightPath was nominated by LAUNCHfn to
participate in another investor event and based on our recommendation, FreighPath was accepted." Ted Braun, CEO,
FreightPath writes 'Great and many thanks Karen! Your guidance and help are invaluable!'
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